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You may be tossing around the idea of getting braces and wondering if they may be right for you. Your teeth may be slightly crooked or you may be experiencing difficulty in performing everyday tasks. Braces can help in a multitude of ways. Often times we have underlying problems with the positioning of our teeth, which can start to cause issues as we age. We only get one smile, which is why it’s important to protect it and make sure it’s in the best condition possible.
Common Orthodontic Issues
Braces can be beneficial if you suffer from misaligned teeth. Other common orthodontic problems that warrant the need for treatment include:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Crooked teeth
- Crowding and spacing issues
- Jaw problems
These issues can make everyday tasks, like biting and chewing more challenging, which is why beginning treatment as soon as you can is recommended.
Discomfort and Difficulties
In addition to correcting the appearance of your smile, braces can also aid in alleviating:
- Speech problems
- Grinding teeth
- Jaw pain
Difficulty with eating is another reason why patients seek orthodontic help, especially if they have an open bite, which makes it nearly impossible to bite down on certain foods.
Prevention of More Serious Problems
Teeth that aren’t spaced properly in the mouth can cause oral hygiene practices to suffer. Too little space between the teeth can make proper cleaning almost impossible, and too much space can leave room for food to become trapped between the teeth. This causes a build-up of bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Patients with underlying jaw disorders such as TMJ have also shown some relief after having completed orthodontic treatment. This disorder can cause facial and mouth pain, as well as trouble eating. Braces can help realign the jaws and teeth so they are able to function properly, although sometimes surgery is necessary in more severe cases. While braces are by no means a cure for TMJ disorders, some patients have fewer or less severe symptoms after braces.
Why Get Braces?
With all of the orthodontic treatment options available today, why should you choose braces? For many patients, braces are the best option to suit their lifestyle. Some patients prefer braces over Invisalign because they are permanent and they don’t have to worry about remembering to wear their aligners for the recommended amount of time each day.
Other patients like braces because they can use them to enhance their appearance. Options, such as champagne braces and gold braces are stylish ways to add a little pizzazz to your look during orthodontic treatment.
No matter the reason, choosing to start orthodontic treatment is a big deal. If you’re on the fence about getting braces, remember the problems they can solve and the health benefits they can provide, and call Charleston Orthodontic Specialists at (843) 4-BRACES to schedule a free initial exam.
